Micky van de Ven Brace Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

The Dutch defender became the first defender to net two goals in a English top-flight game for Spurs since Jan Vertonghen in March 2013.

Key points

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home twice in opening period

  • The home side's defender has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Pape Matar Sarr nets final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Micky van de Ven found the net twice as Tottenham extended their unbeaten run on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at the dockside location, having departed Goodison Park behind after 133 years at the conclusion of last season.

But Tottenham's leader Van de Ven pounced twice from set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to put their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - nodded in a final goal to seal the victory.

The Everton defender believed he had levelled the tally a short while after Van de Ven's first goal, glancing a bullet header past the Spurs keeper from an set-piece.

Beto, meanwhile, missed a handful of chances, while Vicario made a succession of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five away games without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee decided that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

This victory moves the manager's team up to third in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club remain 14th and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: Van de Ven fulfils role at each end of the field

After a uninspiring midweek display in the Champions League against the French side, where they managed a only attempts on goal, Frank chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to make much of an impact before being substituted for the substitute after an hour on the field, but it turns out he proved unnecessary in the final outcome.

Defender the Dutchman transformed into an offensive threat to be reckoned with.

Tottenham's opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur directing the ball back across the face of goal for an free the defender to head home.

And the captain - stepping up as captain in the Argentine's absence - notched his second in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining well with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt excellently with the numerous deliveries sent their way by Everton.

Everton analysis: Everton missing finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a fortress, but it appears the freshness may have worn off somewhat and fans flocked to the gates after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their attacking woes will be.

Beto and the other striker - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had netted just a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable tally on a damp and dreary night on Merseyside.

Beto's form was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having space and time to reposition for a more conventional shot that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, as well, was unable to influence the game after replacing Beto in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of Everton's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who tirelessly delivered threatening crosses into the Spurs box.

What next for these two sides?

Everton: The team head to the Stadium of Light in the top flight on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their fourth-round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.

Troy Bauer
Troy Bauer

Marcus is a seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games, specializing in payout strategies and player safety.